My last entry was a quote from Henri Nouwen, which Rob Hatch astutely recognized as a recent delivery from the Bruderhof's Daily Dig. They seem to be firing on all cylinders lately and I'm wanting to post nearly everything they send. For example ...
Soren Kierkegaard:
If you have any knowledge at all of human nature, you know that those who only admire the truth will, when danger appears, become traitors. The admirer is infatuated with the false security of greatness; but if there is any inconvenience or trouble, he pulls back. Admiring the truth, instead of following it, is just as dubious a fire as the fire of erotic love, which at the turn of the hand can be changed into exactly the opposite, to hate, jealousy, and revenge. Christ, however, never asked for admirers, worshippers, or adherents. He consistently spoke of "followers" and "disciples."
Annemarie W?chter:
What I am looking for?is a life lived in the spirit of the kingdom of God. And that kingdom is not a vague, faraway ideal; it must be lived and fulfilled now, today... There will never be social justice as long as we merely give up a small part of our possessions and keep the greater share for ourselves. Doesn?t every person have the right to such a life? Is there not in every one a longing for light, for God, however hidden?
Obviously it will demand a struggle against one?s selfish human nature; against the comforts of?self-satisfied tranquility. Such a life requires the readiness for sacrifice, privation, and even martyrdom. Christ died on a cross, and his death did not relieve us of the necessity of going the same way.? It was an example for us to follow.
I am so tired of today's sweetly gushing Christianity; of false enthusiasm and empty phrases! But I am also thankful to have found a knowledge of the burden and bitterness of Christ?s way. It is a way of conviction and faith and therefore of action, and that is what makes all the difference.
Always challenging, those Bruderhof folks; I recommend you sign up now for their Daily Dig.
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